At Goodwill, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. While many people know Goodwill for our retail stores and mission of supporting those in our community, our commitment goes beyond that, we also invest in helping our employees build meaningful careers.
Research shows that organizations that prioritize employee growth and development often see stronger employee engagement, increased retention, and more opportunities for advancement. At Goodwill, we are proud to support our team members through a variety of learning, leadership, and recognition opportunities designed to help people succeed.
Building Skills Through Learning and Development
Goodwill offers a variety of training and development opportunities that help employees strengthen their skills, grow as professionals, and prepare for future career opportunities.
Living as a Leader
Living as a Leader is a leadership development program designed for Goodwill team members who step into leadership roles. This program helps new leaders build confidence and gain the tools needed to support their teams and make a positive impact.
Through interactive discussions, activities, and guidance from experienced Goodwill leaders, participants explore topics such as:
- Leading with Courage and Confidence
- Understanding Goodwill’s Mission and Values
- Supporting Safety and Asset Protection
- Creating an Inclusive and Respectful Workplace
- Recruiting and Developing Talent
In addition to building leadership skills, the program provides an opportunity for leaders from across the organization to connect, share experiences, and build relationships.
RISE Leadership Development Program
The RISE Leadership Development Program provides employees with the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. This application-based program is designed for individuals who are interested in strengthening their leadership skills, increasing self-awareness, and preparing for future opportunities.
Throughout the approximately four-month program, participants focus on goal setting, communication, collaboration, and leadership development while connecting their learning to Goodwill’s core values: Results, Inclusion, Stewardship, and Empathy.
Participants also complete a behavioral assessment to better understand their own strengths, work styles, and communication preferences. By the end of the program, employees leave with new skills, stronger professional connections, and a deeper understanding of how they can make a difference within Goodwill and the communities we serve.
Recognizing and Supporting Employee Success
At Goodwill, we know growth is about more than training, it is also about recognizing the dedication, compassion, and hard work employees bring to their roles every day. Celebrating employee achievements helps create a culture where people feel valued and appreciated.
RISE Award
The RISE Award recognizes employees who go above and beyond while demonstrating Goodwill’s core values of Results, Inclusion, Stewardship, and Empathy.
Employees are encouraged to recognize their coworkers by submitting nominations that highlight the positive impact someone has made. Each month, one employee is selected to receive this award and is recognized across Goodwill’s internal and external channels. Monthly recipients are also eligible for the RISE Star of the Year award, presented annually.
Pepsi Scholarship Program
Goodwill believes learning and growth extend beyond the workplace. Through the Pepsi Scholarship Program, eligible employees have access to financial support for approved educational and professional development opportunities.
Recipients may use scholarship funds toward expenses such as:
- Tuition
- Certification Programs
- Professional Workshops
- Conferences
- Online Courses
- Other Approved Educational Opportunities
This support allows employees to continue building skills, pursuing their goals, and investing in their future.
Investing in People, Strengthening Communities
At Goodwill, our mission is centered around helping people achieve their goals. By investing in employee growth and development, we are not only supporting our team members, we are strengthening the communities we serve.
Every employee has unique talents, goals, and opportunities for growth. Through training, leadership development, recognition, and educational support, Goodwill is committed to creating pathways where people can learn, grow, and thrive.



